Car rental and itinerary advice for 1 month in Japan

Hello,

My wife, our kids (aged 5 and 9), and I will arrive in Fukuoka on May 27, 2026. We plan to visit Japan for about a month—maybe a month and a half (we’re starting our 11-month world trip in Japan, so I’m flexible with dates).

For the driver’s license, can I get it translated in advance and receive it in France? If so, do you know of a website or contact that handles this?

For car rental, which company would you recommend? I did a simulation on Nippon Rent-A-Car, and it seems like a solid option. As for driving, I’ve already driven in New Zealand, Australia, Canada, and Thailand, so if all the signs are also in Latin letters, I should be fine! That said, I know I won’t be driving in big cities like Osaka, Kyoto, or Tokyo.

We love the freedom a car provides.

Broadly speaking, we’d like to follow this route (mixing car rental and trains): Fukuoka > Hiroshima > Himeji > Osaka > Kyoto > areas around Mount Fuji > Nagano > Nikko > Tokyo

We’ll rent the car from Fukuoka to Himeji and from Kyoto to Tokyo.

I’m torn between exploring the northern coast (Nagato / Matsue / Tottori / Miyazu) or sticking to the southern coast (Fukuoka / Hiroshima / Fukuyama / Himeji). We’d love to see both the "must-see" sites and some more offbeat, hidden spots—places off the beaten path.

I’m also not ruling out a little road trip around Kyushu. I still need to look into the details of what to see there.

Best regards, Cédric

Hello,

For the driver’s license, can it be translated in advance and received in France? If so, do you have a website or contact that does this?

Yes, it’s possible. There are several agencies, including Japan Experience.

For car rental, which company do you recommend? I did a simulation on Nippon Rent-A-Car, and it seems like a decent company.

I don’t recommend any in particular. The reference site is Tocoo: https://www2.tocoo.jp/en/ You can also book directly at the agencies once you’re there.

For driving, I’ve already driven cars in New Zealand, Australia, Canada, and Thailand, so if all the signs are also translated into Latin letters, it should be fine! However, I know I won’t be driving in big cities like Osaka, Kyoto, or Tokyo.

Driving in Japan is easy. They drive calmly, but it’s on the left side. No real difficulty—just keep it in mind. Signs are also written in Roman letters, so no problem reading them.

There’s no point in driving in big cities, which are very well served by public transport, and getting around on foot is much more rewarding. A car is useful for exploring the countryside and going on road trips.

I’m hesitating between exploring the north coast (Nagato / Matsue / Tottori / Miyazu) or sticking to the south coast (Fukuoka / Hiroshima / Fukuyama / Himeji). We’d obviously like to see the "must-see" sites as well as more unusual, hidden spots off the beaten path.

I don’t know those areas well, except for a tiny part of Fukuoka, but if you want to get off the classic routes, the coast might interest you more since it’s less visited. That said, even in well-known places, you can find quieter spots—it depends on how much time you have and what you choose to do. Read travel blogs and journals to see what appeals to you most.

I’m also not ruling out a small road trip in Kyushu. I need to look into the things to see in more detail.

Kyushu is great too.

Happy planning!